Dawgs pick starting Sam linebacker

Kelly Quinlan

Staff Writer

Going into the 2006 season the only big question at the linebacker position has been who will be the starter at the Sam linebacker position. After switching back and forth through most of fall camp and fall practice, the on going battle for the starting Sam linebacker position finally has resolution.

Head coach Mark Richt announced Tuesday that senior Danny Verdun beat out junior Brandon Miller for the starting job at the Sam linebacker position. Miller started 10 games, and Verdun started three games there including the bowl game against West Virginia last season. Verdun entered fall camp as the number one backup at all three linebacker spots.

"I am listed at number one Sam right now and I will take a couple of snaps at Will," said Verdun of his new starting job.

When Miller was injured early in camp, Verdun took the opportunity to re-establish himself and make his case to be the starter.

Verdun said that the coaching staff is preparing Miller to play either outside position just in case, but this situation is far from over as the coaching staff will continue to evaluate the two's performance early in the season.

"[Miller] is trying to learn the Mike and Will linebacker positions as well," said Verdun.Verdun is planning to make the most of his starting spot against Western Kentucky.

"I am excited about playing and for the first game of the year, we are going to have our base defense out there and make them beat us," said Verdun.